Strathmore 481-105 Softcover Art Sketch Journal, 5.5" X 8", Toned Gray, 112 Pages

I bought this mixed media journal because I love how it looks and it lies almost completely flat. While I love the textured paper for drawing with pencil, I have been a little disappointed by how it handles water-based paints. I find that if I do more than two very light washes, the paper starts to fall apart and ruin my artwork. Honestly, I think my expectations may have been too high- I was just really hoping that it would handle my gouache better.Other than that, it's a really nice sketchbook. I actually really like the softcover because it's very flexible and soft, and it really does lie pretty flat. It's a great, portable size, and would be great for sketching on the go.Overall, I would rate it 4.5/5 stars, because while I wish it handled watercolor/gouache a bit better, it's still quite a nice sketchbook.

The media could not be loaded.  I love this book (mixed media). It's great, especially for my fellow heavy handed folks. Graphite doesn't smear from page to page, paper doesn't ingrave marks from pressure.Its softbound so it has grip and doesn't slide around my workspace like hardbound covers. It does gain small indents and creases over time but its not significat or damaging. It holds up very well and does not fall apart like other sketchbooks I've owned.The paper is off-white with a tiny bit of texture. It is GREAT and holds up very well to various mediums. I've used mod podge, graphite, charcoal, watercolor, ink, duct tape, alcohol markers, and other mediums in this sketchbook and the paper provided a great and durable surface for all of them to work they way they should. Alcohol markers do bleed but do not leave marks on the other pages. The paper also does not tear up as easy as others and can handle lots of erasing and sketching.

The back cover was torn. I was leaving for 3 months so I didn't return. I do hope I don't want to share my watercolor paintings with others as the journal is torn.

There are only 24 sheets of paper in this journal. I'm a little annoyed that it's advertised as having "48 Pages", which, while technically correct, is not the same. Other than that, the paper quality is great, and seems to be the same as the hardcover journals. I use these for gouache painting and they've worked quite well.

I like the thickness of the mixed media paper and the soft cover. It makes a nice surface to create on.

this came sooooo well packaged. I was a bit worried that it might come bended but not only it was in a very thick cardboard box but also it was wrapped onto a very sturdy cardboard as well. <3have been using strathamore sketchbooks for months and am very satisfied with a quality

It’s a pretty good sketch book works well with every media.

I have several of these Strathmore watercolor sketchbooks . I like the heavy weight paper for watercolor. Ordered for my 7 yo granddaughter.

This journal fits right in my bag hassle free, so I have it with me all the time ready to sketch. The page is not too small, so I enjoy the space I have for anecdotes and drawings.

Great for use with black ink. The GSM is nice and the pages have a nice smooth texture to them. Really happy with this little sketchbook.

Perfect!! Exactly as pictured.

The paper is thick enough and able to flat after painting, but the after few layers of watercolor, there are bits kept being wiped off from the cotton. I’m new to watercolor, not sure if there is a way to avoid it.

Work ok